College campuses across the United States have become hotbeds of protest, with students raising their voices both in opposition to Israel and in support of Palestine. While student agitation had been brewing for days, recent police crackdowns have significantly fueled the unrest.
Initially, the protests were localized to Columbia University, but now have spread to institutions like Harvard University.
34 students from the University of Texas at Austin have been arrested, and reports suggest that troopers have been deployed to manage the situation. Images and videos are emerging of confrontations between students and police at the University of California as well.
The situation at Harvard University is deteriorating, and pro-Palestine protestors have reportedly stormed the campus, leading to a lockdown that only permits entry to ID holders.
Amid these developments, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has proposed deploying the National Guard to restore order, a measure reserved for severe threats in America.
At the Southern California campus, hundreds of students set up tents to protest. The situation escalated when clashes broke out between the students and university security personnel, necessitating police intervention.
An emergency rally was called at Harvard University's Yard Campus when hundreds of students forced their way in after the university restricted campus access to ID holders only.
What Are the Protestors Demanding?
Thousands of students protesting across colleges and universities are demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and are calling for the cessation of military aid from the US to Israel.
Who are Involved in the Protests?
The demonstrators are primarily supporters of Palestine and opposers of Israel. Reuters reports that not only students but faculty are also participating. The protestors include followers of both Judaism and Islam.
What Actions Have Been Taken So Far?
Educational authorities and police have acted against the protestors. Hundreds of students from universities, including Columbia, have been suspended, with over a hundred arrested at Columbia itself. Yale police have detained over sixty students after repeated warnings. The New York Police reported the arrest of more than 120 protestors from New York University.
What Have Biden and Netanyahu Said?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the anti-Israel protests in America as dangerous and has demanded stern action to halt them, even comparing the demonstrations to Nazi Germany. The White House, condemning these protests, likened them to the language of terrorists. US President Joe Biden condemned the protestors and criticized those unaware of the realities in Palestine.
India's Response
India has issued a statement on the US protests; Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a balance between freedom of expression and security protocols must exist in a democracy. He wryly noted that nations are judged by their domestic actions, not international ones, and confirmed that the Indian Embassy is in contact with Indian students there.
